New research published in The Lancet Digital Health highlights kidneys as key players in the body's ageing process, with significant implications for health monitoring and disease prevention.

The University College London (UCL) led this study which analysed blood samples from over 6,200 adults, tracking their health for 20 years. The findings reveal kidneys function as crucial indicators of overall health within the body's interconnected system. The full UCL article can be found here.

Key Findings:

• People with accelerated kidney ageing faced higher risks of vascular disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disease
• Biological ageing of nearly all organs predicted increased risk of kidney disease
• Simple blood tests could identify organs ageing faster than expected, enabling earlier intervention

“Our organs function as an integrated system, but they can age at different rates” explains Professor Mika Kivimaki from UCL. “I believe that in the future of healthcare, the prevention of age-related diseases could begin much earlier, prioritising those who would benefit most and tailoring interventions to individual risk profiles.”

For kidney patients, the research emphasises the importance of monitoring kidney function as part of comprehensive health assessments, with potential benefits extending to other organ systems.

If you have questions about kidney health, you can reach out to our Helpline. The NKF Helpline is the UK’s largest provider since 1999 of kidney-related medical information leaflets, offering over 200 titles written by nephrologists for patients and carers. Call us for free on 0800 169 09 36, Monday to Friday 08:30 am – 5:00 pm Friday 08:30 am – 12:30 pm. Find our helpline information leaflets online here: https://www.kidney.org.uk/helpline-leaflets